What is the Recommended Oil Change Frequency?

The oil change light is probably one of the most ignored vehicle warning lights. For some reason, many people believe that oil changes are simply a way for dealerships and repair shops to make more money and therefore are not a necessary part of your automobile maintenance.

But it is important to change your oil within the correct intervals to ensure that your car is always at peak performance.

Regular Oil Vs Synthetic Oil

In order to talk about oil, it is important to understand that there are generally two types of oil used in vehicles. Regular oil tends to be a lot lower quality, and requires more frequent changes because it simply is more ineffective than synthetic oil. Most vehicles these days operate using synthetic oil because it is more efficient. The main difference is that it has been fortified with synthetic compounds which refine the oil.

Regular oil changes definitely need to happen around 3,000 to 3,500 miles. But with the new synthetic oil, this frequency is no longer necessary.

For synthetic oil, the frequency can be anywhere between 7,000 to 10,000 miles. But it is important to take the time to look at your car’s owner manual just to ensure you are taking proper care of your car.

Can You Trust Your Change Oil Reminder?

For the most part, you definitely should. While mileage is typically how oil changes are tracked, it is important to note it is not that time between changes is also important. Newer vehicles are able to track both time and mileage, creating a more accurate indicator of when you need to change your oil.

Driving Factors That Affect Oil Change Frequency

Factors such as short trips, extreme heat, towing, and more can have a negative impact on your car’s oil life. Some of these things are out of your control, but they should definitely be taken into consideration when determining when it is time to change your oil.

The good news is if you are using synthetic oil, it tends to hold up better to the heat. But it can still be affected by these factors.

Understanding these basics can help you make an informed decision about your oil change frequency, allowing your car to last for many years to come.

Ready for an oil change or have a question about your vehicle maintenance? Schedule an appointment or give us a call at 972-758-7576.